PLC Holds Extraordinary Emergency Meeting Over Iranian Violation of Yemen’s Sovereignty

  Riyadh

The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) held an extraordinary emergency meeting, today Thursday, chaired by His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Council, and attended by all its members: Sultan Al-Aradah, Tareq Saleh, Abdulrahman Al-Muharrami, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi, Othman Mujalli, Mahmoud Al-Subaihi, and Salem Al-Khanbashi. The meeting was convened to discuss the serious repercussions of the Iranian regime’s operation of a direct flight to Sana’a Airport, which is under the control of the Houthi terrorist militias, in a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and a blatant challenge to international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The meeting received briefings from Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Shaea Al-Zandani, as well as a number of ministers and heads of relevant authorities. The briefings focused on what was described as a serious escalation that reaffirmed the Houthi militias’ complete subordination to the Iranian regime. They also highlighted the militias’ use of state institutions and border crossings to serve Iran’s agenda at the expense of the interests of the Yemeni people and to undermine Yemen’s sovereignty, security, and stability.

The Council said the incident reflects the Houthis’ continued efforts to undermine peace initiatives and reject regional and international proposals aimed at ending the conflict, including Saudi-led efforts and initiatives supported by international partners to achieve a lasting peace and end the suffering of the Yemeni people.

The Council noted that the Houthi militias have instead continued their military escalation, targeting international shipping lanes and global trade, while provoking international sanctions and isolation. They have also exacerbated Yemen’s economic and humanitarian crisis and inflicted extensive damage on the country’s ports, airports, economic infrastructure, and public service facilities, holding full responsibility for the hardships endured by the Yemeni people.

The Council further affirmed that the latest development extends beyond Yemen, describing it as a direct threat to regional and international security and a setback to international de-escalation efforts. It said the incident underscores Iran’s continued violation of international law through its support for armed proxy groups, adding that any future understandings with such regime would not be sustainable without effective mechanisms for deterrence and accountability.

The PLC affirmed that the Yemeni state would exercise its full constitutional and legal responsibilities to safeguard its sovereignty and exclusive authority over its airspace and ports. It would take all necessary political, diplomatic, legal, and security measures permitted under international law to protect the country’s sovereignty and legitimate institutions.

The Presidential Leadership Council praised the fraternal and pivotal role undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and government, and its sincere and continuous efforts to end the suffering and to consolidate security and stability in Yemen and the region. It also commended the role of Yemen’s regional and international partners in supporting the Yemeni state and its legitimate institutions, affirming that these efforts have been and continue to be met with the Houthi militias’ obstinacy and their complete subordination to the Iranian regime.

The Council warned the Iranian regime against continuing its escalatory approach, holding both Tehran and the Houthi militias fully responsible for the consequences of these actions and for any threats to the security of Yemen, the wider region, and international peace and security.

The PLC concluded by calling on the United Nations, the UN Security Council, and regional and international partners to move beyond condemnation and adopt deterrent measures to halt the Iranian violations. It also urged tighter oversight of channels used to support, arm, and finance the Houthi militias, and called for preventing the use of Yemeni territory and airspace for cross-border destabilizing activities.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Yahya Al-Shuaibi, Director of the Presidency Office, Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani, Minister of Interior Major General Ibrahim Haidan and Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Taher Al-Aqili. It was also attended by Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Sagheer bin Aziz, Head of the State Security Service Major General Mohammed Aidha, and Major General Ahmed Al-Aqili, Director of the Office of the Supreme Commander.